November 19, 2026 – Depart USA

2026-Thailand’s River Kwai to Chiang Mai’s Lantern Festival – 1 single room

Thailand’s Amazing Wonders – River Kwai to Chiang Mai

1 days · from $3,395

November 19, 2026 – Depart USA

The best vacations are the ones with the most compelling stories to share. You’ll be talking about this luxury 5-star getaway forever with the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, flavors and playful experiences we packed into one trip. From Thailand’s lush mountain jungles in the south to the colorful culture of the north, you’ll discover three of this diverse country’s most enticing regions. Why do we repeat this festival three years in a row, so popular with people left behind so now is your chance again.

We start by touring the golden temples in uber-cool Bangkok with our special AFS massage session and exclusive tuk-tuk parade! (There are so many new things to explore in the city that never sleeps; you may want to fly in a few days early to explore.)

Then, we head south to explore the wartime legacy area of Kanchanaburi on the scenic Thai Burma Railway. We walk the legendary Bridge over the River Kwai, made famous by the movie and take a ride on what became known as the infamous “Death Railway.”

Enjoy bamboo rafting to waterfalls, caves and a visit to the Mon Tribal Village. Then channel your elephant whisperer at the ethical and world-renowned Elephant Nature Park for immersion with the ellies!

You’ll love your “floating villas” at the breathtaking new Floathouse River Kwai resort, which is so unique that it looks surreal! This nature hideaway of rustic elegance floats on the water amid the lush green jungle. Naturally luxurious, this hotel gives the word “glamping“ a whole new dimension and you’ll never forget it!

Fly to the lush Rose of the North to check into the exquisite award-winning Rati Lanna Riverside Resort & Spa in fabulous Chang Mai. We’ll take in the best of this city with tours, but the highlight is the annual Loi Krathong or “Festival of Lights.’ The world-famous Lantern Festival overloads the senses and has exploded in popularity in the past few years. Revel in the celebration and our banquet at the temple of Yi Peng. Feel the spiritual energy as thousands of monks and locals send their prayers in Lotus baskets down the river, and countless paper lanterns are released into the sky during the full moon. All of Chiang Mai comes alive this week, and it’s our rare privilege to get accommodation during this time this year.

You may have been to Thailand before, but we raised the bar with more adventure. We know Thailand well as it is our 14th AFS group to tour here. Everyone loves the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, known as the “Land of Smiles.” TripAdvisor says it’s the best country for the most bang for your buck. We’ve made it so exceptionally affordable that you may want to add another Asian stopover at the trip’s end.

It’s the kind of vacation that dreams are made of. Come receive your blessing! The elephants never forget, and neither will you. Let the forever memories begin.

Adventure includes

Accommodation as per above itinerary with daily breakfast included and meals as stated.

Activities that are mentioned or specified in the itinerary with English-speaking guide service and entrance fees, tickets to lantern festivals, National licensed tour manager, AFS GTL

Day by day

Trip Itinerary

Flight daysOn the waterExploring on landAt leisure

Nov 21 · Day 1

Sawasdee…Welcome to The Lands of Smiles

Well known as the City of Angels, Bangkok – known locally as Krungthepmahanakorn – is Thailand’s spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic enter. It became the country’s capital in 1782 under the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. A vibrant city, there is an endless choice of sightseeing and entertainment opportunities. With numerous canal (klong) networks, the Chaophraya River, it’s no wonder it is called the “Venice of the East.”

This evening is free to revel in Bangkok’s nightlife. Everyone loves the luxury rooftop bars and the Skytrain can whisk you anywhere.

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Effective 01 May 2025, all foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online up to three days prior to arrival, regardless of whether you’re coming by air, land, or sea. You’ll need your passport info, travel details, Thai accommodation, and a basic health declaration. If you can’t fill it out in advance, help points are available at immigration—but do it early to avoid delays. Full details: https://tdac.immigration.go.th

Overnight: Avani Riverside

Nov 22 · Day 2

Bangkok Temple Tours & Tuk Tuks

After breakfast, we set out to explore Bangkok and its marvelous temples, starting in Chinatown, home to Thailand’s largest Chinese community and the Stunning Wat Trimit. This is the world’s largest gold seated Buddha, measuring nearly 16 and a half feet high and weighing five and a half tons. Once hidden from invading armies by a covering of stucco and plaster, the gold beneath was discovered by accident when it was accidentally dropped as it was moved.

Next is Wat Po, which was the first public university of Thailand and is the oldest and most extensive temple in Bangkok. It houses hundreds of chedis and is home to the 3rd largest colossal reclining Buddha in Thailand. The gigantic gold-plated reclining statue has inlaid mother-of-pearl soles of 108 good lucks and is highly revered among Buddhists. If we time it right, we should be able to witness monks’ chanting in the main chapel. which is not commonly seen by tourists. Since Wat Po is a school for traditional medicine and massage, we’ll enjoy a Thai Foot massage.

We’ll have our own special AFS Parade of Tuk Tuks as we make our way through Bangkok’s old quarter, past the Grand Palace, the Giant Swing, Bangkok City Hall, Democracy Monument, and on to Rajadamnoen Avenue, with a final stop at Wat Benjamaborphit, commonly known as Marble Temple, built of Carrara marble from Italy. The cloister around the assembly hall houses 52 images of Buddha.

In the evening, we’ll celebrate with a Welcome Dinner at the award-winning Cabbage & Condom Restaurant, considered one of the most unique Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

Includes: breakfast, dinner

Overnight: Avani Riverside.

Nov 23 · Day 3

Fly to Chiang Mai

Check out and transfer to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai (flight cost will be added to invoice later 15:05–16:25).

Welcome to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Here, northern mountains cradle a city founded in 1296 by King Mengrai. Once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is a cultural crossroads—old city walls, bustling markets, and a river winding past a patchwork of ancient temples.

Tucked away in a lush river basin, 700 kilometers north of bustling Bangkok, lies Chiang Mai – a city that seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty with a rich, unique cultural heritage. This enchanting metropolis, founded by the great King Mengrai in 1296, has blossomed into the heart of Northern Thailand, a hub of commerce, communication, culture, and tourism that beckons travelers from around the world.

Perched 310 meters above sea level, Chiang Mai is nestled within the embrace of majestic mountain ranges, its landscape a tapestry of vibrant jungles, rugged peaks, and fertile valleys. Much of this breathtaking terrain lies within protected national parks, teeming with an astonishing array of flora and fauna that await your discovery.

But Chiang Mai’s allure extends far beyond its physical beauty. The city is a living museum of indigenous cultures, home to hill tribes who have preserved their traditional ways of life for centuries. Visit their villages, perched high in the mountains, and immerse yourself in a world that seems a lifetime away from the hustle and bustle of modern existence.

Includes: breakfast

Overnight: RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

Nov 24 · Day 4

Must See Chiang Mai

Perched high above Chiang Mai, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has watched over the city for more than 600 years. Sitting near the summit of Doi Suthep mountain—3,520 feet up and about 9 miles outside town—the temple is impossible to miss. The approach itself is an experience: after a winding drive through lush forest, you’ll tackle the famous Naga staircase, all 306 steps guarded by dragon-headed serpents. At the top, you’ll find a striking copper-plated chedi crowned with a five-tiered golden umbrella, said to contain sacred relics of the Buddha. Time your visit right, and you might witness monks and novices chanting their evening prayers in the Viharn—a daily ritual that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Before heading back down, pause to take in sweeping views of Chiang Mai spread out below, the city lights flickering as dusk settles in.

After your temple visit, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon at your own pace.

When evening falls, sit down to a delicious dinner at your hotel. If you’re visiting during the Loy Krathong Festival, don’t miss the chance to release your own banana-leaf basket onto the water—an unforgettable way to join in the celebration.

Includes: breakfast, dinner

Overnight: RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

Nov 25 · Day 5

Chiang Mai Tour & World Famous Lantern Festival

After a sumptuous buffet breakfast of the freshest international cuisines, we have the whole day free ahead of this evening’s festivities for the Lantern Festival.

We’ll gather around 5 pm and head to the festival venue for our banquet dinner and festival show. A host of sights, sounds, and food await, including activities at CAD village such as floating lanterns on the water or Loi Kratong.

We’ll then enter the ritual area in front of the great pagoda and experience the drum and candle show as well as the religious ceremony with monks chanting. Then we all light our lanterns and launch them high into the sky. It’s a brilliant display never to be forgotten.

We’ll return to the hotel in the late evening

Includes: breakfast, dinner

Overnight: RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

Nov 26 · Day 6

Free Time of Optional Visit to Elephant Nature Park

Optional: Morning – Half Day visit Elephant Conservation at Elephant Nature Park. Headcount later

After breakfast, get picked up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city, and admire the views of beautiful mountains crossed by spectacular roads as you drive through picturesque countryside to the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary and rescue center for elephants in Mae Taeng District. On the way you will hear the personal stories of our rescued elephants as told by one of the park’s expert guides. You will also have a chance to see “Vanishing Giants”, the award-winning National Geographic documentary profiling the work Khun Lek is doing on behalf of Asian elephants in Thailand.

At the park you will have the opportunity to spend time with the various herds. Many of these elephants have left behind a traumatic past and for the first time are able to form relationships with other elephants and rediscover their elephant nature. One of the highlights is to hand fruit and vegetables to the elephants from the viewing platform and observe the incredible giants as they roam the park with their family groups and walk around the park in smaller groups. Expect great photos! Walk around the park with the elephants (no riding), and see the elephants socializing in their herds. After the guided walk, enjoy a sumptuous and varied vegetarian buffet of Asian and Western dishes. You can chat with your guide and the park volunteers during lunchtime, which is a nice way to learn even more about the elephants at the park. Occasionally the stories will be interrupted by the noises and interactions between the park’s elephants. 1:30 we say goodbyes to the elephants and head an hour back to Chiang Mai. Note, ENP is voted as the most ethical elephant sanctuary in the world!

The afternoon is yours to explore the many attractions in and around Chang Mai. There are numerous other temples to visit, you can explore the famous Warorot Market or even take in a cooking class. You can get out in nature by visiting local waterfalls or go river rafting. In the evening, the Night Bazaar is a bustling showcase of local street foods and handcrafted souvenirs with live music.

Fly CNX – DMK at 06:20 – 07:40 hrsWe’ll visit the Cemetery of the Allied Prisoners of World War II, which contains graves of 6,982 Allied POWs who perished from starvation, overwork, disease or execution during the construction of the “Death Railway” under the control of the Japanese army. For maximum appreciation, be sure to stream some movies on the profound history here.The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre helps contextualize the horrendous conditions under which the 250-mile-long railway was built. It originally ran from Baan Pong in Thailand to Thanbuyuzayat in Myanmar.

Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Overnight: The FloatHouse River Kwai (Floating Villa – 2 nights)

Nov 28 · Day 7

Kanchanaburi

Breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, we re-join our long-tailed boats to take us on an exciting boat ride upstream to Saiyoke National Park, it’s a bucolic place of walking trails amid mixed forests of bamboo, evergreen and deciduous greenery. Then, visit the Mon tribal village, where the Mon people have lived for generations. Visit the Golden Rock, Buddha image cave and village school. Take a short walk on easy jungle trail along the River bank to get to the stunning viewpoint of River Kwai.

Lunch at local restaurant before visiting Lawa Cave and exploring the fascinating stalactite in the afternoon and there’s a chance to spot Khun Kitti, the smallest bat in the world with a span-world of 10 cm and a weight of less than 2 gram. Dinner at your hotel.

Includes: breakfast, dinner, lunch

Overnight: RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort

Nov 29 · Day 8

Kanchanaburi – Bangkok – Departure

Following breakfast, we’ll be transfered 2 hours to Bangkok Airport BKK for your flight home. Get an afternoon or evening flight only.

LAND PRICE: $3395 pp twin share plus internal domestic air (cost est. around $250 based on 2025 cost)

Gratuities for licensed guides, drivers, and porters of $95 will be added to the invoice for your convenience.

Single rooms are limited and cost an additional $998

Includes:

Includes: breakfast

Know before you go

Trip Tips

It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addenda will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

✦AFS Trip Tips Thailand, 2026

Everything you need to know before you go…

Be prepared to be thrilled by all the wonders of Thailand- with glittering temples, fabulous flavors, elephants, festivals, the coolest hotels, and so much more ! The “land of smiles” has the friendliest people on the planet. So many adventurous days from bustling Bangkok to lush Bridge over the river Kwai region and serene Chiang Mai, I wonder which will be your favorite. All our past groups loved our November lantern festival trips. Each year it gets better.

Our group last year raved about this particular trip, stating “best vacation ever, Suzy!” as testimonials poured in. We had over 40 people left behind on the waitlist, and so we present this again. We paid for 24 spots and need your help. Please post the trip link on your social media. This trip will go. We know that people often book later, so we should be fine.

At present, we have a wonderful group of 18 travel lovers. I know most of you and can assure you, this will be a fun bunch. Connect now on your private Facebook group page. Christy and I will be sending more details as the departure nears.

The trip tips are designed to answer questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates will be posted here. So I’m travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we sent on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Always found on our website. We email you updates but check trip tips time to time.

Payment dates – Due to the popularity of the annual lantern festival, hotels are full, and they require a second deposit of $500 by April 20. 50% due July 5, and the final due. We partner with Wetravel for secure, fee-free electronic check payments. Simply follow their instructions. Credit card payments incur a processing fee. To minimize costs and offer the best prices, we prefer electronic checks. Alternatively, you can pay by check without mailing it:1 make it out to AFS, take a photo, and text it to 770-432-8225. We’ll process the payment at no extra charge.

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Trip price$3,395per person, twin share

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